About

Meet Madeleine Scholtes, a young Dutch designer based in the Netherlands. In 2020, Madeleine graduated as a furniture designer from Hout-en-Meubileringscollege in Amsterdam. After graduating, she moved to Eindhoven to further develop within the walls of Design Academy Eindhoven.

Madeleine finds inspiration in her direct surroundings using sustainability as the leading thead through her unique designs. 

Since 2023, she works from her studio at Spoor-K. Feel free to reach out for a visit.


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By: Louise van der Heuvel





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Dirty Objects


In a fast-paced world where production runs at its highest speed, the amount of pollution is enormous. Second-hand shops are brimming with items, many of which remain in excellent condition, yet are tucked away in vast spaces, only to be replaced by the latest trends. 

Fortunately, some people recognize the value of these objects and make the effort to give them a new life. However, others feel a sense of disgust toward them. Where is this line drawn? When does an object become something “dirty”? Why are we comfortable eating with spoons in restaurants that hundreds have used before, yet feel repulsed by a spoon found alone in a second-hand shop? 
Madeleine repurposes second-hand spoons into a mirror, transforming discarded objects into a thought-provoking medium. By polishing the spoons until they are reflective, like mirrors, the installation incorporates 201 reflective surfaces. The mirror invites viewers to reflect on their image while reconsidering their relationship with everyday items, particularly those that have been previously used. Behind them, a short film plays, visible in the mirror’s surface, illustrating the daily life of spoons and adding a narrative layer to the experience. 

This combination of reflection and storytelling encourages viewers to critically examine their connection to objects and the value they place on second-hand items. The installation challenges conventional views on reuse, sparking conversations about sustainability and conscious consumption.